GT Bicycles, Inc. 2000 ZR-3000

Price Paid:  $1100.00

Favorite Ride:
with the wind

Bike Setup:
Selle Italia saddle, VDO wireless computer, twin cages, a few decals, and I removed all of the reflectors except the rear one

Summary:
Great bike. 4000+ miles and not a single problem except the occasional flat. Yes, the factory saddle is terrible, which seems to be the case on other GT's as well. I don't know why GT seems to be frowned upon by people who own bikes by other bigger-name brands. I looked long and hard at all the major manufacturers before buying, and you just can't get more bike for the money if you're stuck paying retail like me. The quality is there, as I know of a few people who bought Trek's or Cannondale's and have ad some problems. I've had many compliments on the aesthetics, and it's fast to boot. The 105 components are perfectly acceptable for my uses (a few tours, the occasional 100, some sprint training). I got the triple chainring simply because it was all that was available. I never use it, but if I was obsessed with grams then I would diet off a pound or two before I started shelling out money.

Strengths:
value, looks, and quality

Weaknesses:
saddle, saddle, and saddle.

Similar Products Used:
GT edge aero, Cannondale 800

Price Paid:  $1100.00

Favorite Ride:
Right along the water....

Bike Setup:
Stock- price includes wheelset upgrade to Rolf Vector Pros, cateye cordless computer, Flite Ti Gel saddle, and Aero bar/shifter set-up

Summary:
A mountain biker at heart- I needed a road bike for training during the week and for triathalons so that I would not get dusted quite as badly at the races. Have not used this bike for a race- but it handles quite efficiently, maybe a little twitchy when you get over 40mph- but then again- what bike isn't? Great value in components and a solid manufacturer. Have not had any problems with my GT Xizang mountain frame either- but I know that GT would be right there if I ever do. This bike is really worth the money.

Strengths:
Light, fast, agile, great climber

Weaknesses:
Seat was horrible (bet you've heard that before), I think the triple ring is excessive

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Local Bike Shot

Favorite Ride:
Union County 40 miler

Bike Setup:
Stock w/Red Look pedals and computer and 2 yellow cages.

Summary:
This is for the 2001 ZR3.0. Basically same bike as 2000 model. AWESOME. Fast, light. Had trouble with shifter and at 100mi check, dealer noticed it and swapped shifter under warranty. Much easier to pedal than my old 89 Bianchi Campy.
This is a GREAT bike for the $ concious person. I spent months researching the best buy and from the major brands, this was it. 105 components, Al frame, triple ring gear and LOOKS GREAT TOO ! I'm partial to a yellow bike (good visibility) and both my Bianchi and this ZR3.0 are yellow.

Strengths:
Best buy for $. Great Warranty.

Weaknesses:
Seat, have yet to try another but I should be used to it by now and am not !

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Campy, Cannondale, Trek, Giant

Favorite Ride:
north shore of Lake Superior

Bike Setup:
stock with a vetta computer, I'm going to get a new seat when I get the money.

Summary:
This is my first road bike and I love it. It is very fast. I've had to true the wheels more than I should have to, I only weight 150 lbs and ride on smooth roads. The seat isn't very comfortable after 30 miles or so. GT was smarrt and gave the 2001 a much better seat. The frame is very stiff, which makes it very fast but kind of a harsh ride. The shimano 105 and fork compliment the frame nicely. I have mixed feelings about the triple chainring, the 2001 comes with a double. Overall I am very happy with my purchase.

Strengths:
Fast! 105 works nice - Sweet fork - light & stiff - fast -handles very well - looks cool - Did I mention its fast?

Weaknesses:
wheels haven't stayed true & Seat isn't very good

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi veloce, Trek 5200, Cannondale R800 many many others

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at I Bike

Favorite Ride:
Road

Bike Setup:
Stock except homegrown seat.

Summary:
This is my first road bike and i have nothing to compare it to but this thing hauls! Great price i actually got it for wholesale for about 850! its a 58cm and weights about 22lbs. i say its a great buy for the money! oh ya this is a 2001 3.0 but there was no catagory so i put it in here!

Strengths:
Stiff, light, componets!

Weaknesses:
Seat!

Similar Products Used:
None